New Zealand v South Africa Second Test: 3 Bets to Take

It’s all to play for in the second and final Test between New Zealand and South Africa tomorrow morning. A draw in Christchurch would give New Zealand a historic first Test series win against South Africa in 17 attempts. Victory would not only complete a 2-0 series sweep but it would see them dislodge Australia at the top of the world rankings.

On the other hand, South Africa will be looking to salvage the series and keep their long and proud record of not losing a Test series v the Black Caps in 17 Test series.

I’ve put together three bets to take for the second Test at Hagley Oval.

Kyle Jamieson

He went largely unnoticed next to Matt Henry and Tim Southee’s record-breaking performance and Wagner’s brute force against his former countrymen, but Kyle Jamieson was equally important to piling pressure on South Africa. He conceded at under two runs an over in the first innings and was instrumental in holding an end while Henry ran through South Africa. With his height – just a shade shorter than Marco Jansen at 2.03 metres – Jamieson generates awkward bounce and the ability to swing it both ways which troubled the South African batsmen. 

His record against left-handed batsmen will be key in this Test but will also depend on whether Mark Boucher sticks with Dean Elgar and Sarel Erwee as the opening pair. There is a lot of value in backing him to be New Zealand’s top bowler at 3.75.

Devon Conway

The South African-born batsman has had a fantastic start to his Test career averaging 65.90 with 3 hundreds and 2 fifties in just six Test matches. He had a decent start in the first Test, scoring 36 runs but lost his wicket by chopping on a Duanne Olivier delivery when he looked set for another big one. 

Playing against South Africa is a huge motivation for him so he will be more than motivated to play a match-winning innings against Dean Elgar’s men.

A Hundred Not to Be Scored in the First Innings

The second Test will be played at the same venue but on a different surface and I don’t see conditions changing. The team that bats first will have a disadvantage. That will also depend on whether the Proteas’ seam attack are good enough or have improved enough from the first Test to exploit the seamer-friendly conditions should they have the luxury of bowling first.